Category: Foundational Theories
Author: K. Kamachi
Date: June 15, 2025

We have renamed the model previously called the “Two-Axis Theory.” The new name <the Internalization–Liberty Matrix> better expresses the core structure of this framework: the degree of ideological internalization and the level of political liberty in a society. This post explains the alternative names we considered, and why we ultimately chose this formulation.

Background and Naming Decision

Over the past months, we have referred to our central framework as the “Two-Axis Theory.” This was always a provisional label, meant to describe a model that maps societies and regimes across two dimensions:

• The Y-axis: the degree of ideological internalization, how deeply shared norms and values are embedded within individuals and institutions.
• The X-axis: the level of political liberty, the extent to which individuals are free to act, speak, and participate in public life.

After careful consideration, we have decided to formally name this framework the:

Internalization–Liberty Matrix

This title captures the essence of the model more clearly and avoids common misunderstandings.

Why not the other names?

Two other naming options were seriously considered:

1. The Norm–Consent Framework

This option emphasized shared norms and the idea of “consent” as a sign of political openness. However, consent is often understood as “permission” or “approval,” which could be misleading. It may not clearly suggest how much freedom individuals have to act independently.

2. The Norm–Choice Matrix

This version used choice to represent liberty. While attractive, it assumed the presence of options to choose from, which can obscure the structural limits on freedom that exist in many regimes. Choice is an outcome; liberty is a condition.

In contrast, Internalization and Liberty work together in a more precise and flexible way. They can be measured, compared, and interpreted across very different cultural and political contexts.

Future Use and Extensions

We may refer to this framework using the abbreviation I–L Matrix or ILM in future posts and diagrams.

We also plan to introduce related concepts to expand its analytical power, such as:

• Inclusion Scalar: a measure of how broadly a society includes or excludes people from key institutions and protections.
• National Internalized Norms Position (NINP): a country’s typical orientation toward shared ideals and values.

The I–L Matrix will serve as a foundation for many of our future analyses, especially when examining regime change, institutional design, or the global balance of values and power.